Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet' Walbama

• Wildlife: 'Magic Carpet' attracts beneficial wildlife to the garden.
• Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers, making this plant a great addition to pollinator-friendly landscapes.
• Deer & Rabbit Resistance: The plant is generally deer and rabbit-resistant, thanks to its dense, compact growth habit and tough foliage.

• Seasonality: Deciduous, shedding its leaves in winter and regrowing in early spring.
• Blooming Season: Produces bright pink flowers from late spring to mid-summer (May to July).
• Winter Interest: Loses its leaves in winter but maintains a tidy form that adds subtle texture to the garden.

• Accent Plant: Its vivid new growth (red to orange) and golden foliage provide bold seasonal color.
  
• Low Border or Edging: Compact and mounded form makes it ideal for lining paths or defining garden beds.
  
• Mass Planting: Creates a uniform and colorful display when planted in groups.
  
• Foundation Planting: Excellent choice for around home foundations due to its tidy shape and low height.
  
• Rock Gardens: Its size and drought tolerance make it suitable for dry, sunny spots.
  
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies with its pink blooms.
  
• Small Space or Urban Gardens: Fits well into tight spaces, patios, or courtyard gardens.
  
• Container Gardening: Thrives in large pots and containers with good drainage.
  
  

• The foliage of 'Magic Carpet' is the star of the show, with new growth emerging in rich red tones that transition to bright golden-yellow as the season progresses.
• The leaves are small, lance-shaped, and finely toothed, creating a delicate texture in the landscape.
• In fall, the foliage turns a warm bronze or russet color, providing another season of interest.

• Clusters of small, bright pink flowers bloom in late spring, forming dense, flat-topped corymbs at the ends of the branches.
• These colorful flowers last for several weeks and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• The blooms contrast beautifully with the vibrant golden-yellow foliage, adding visual interest to garden beds and borders.

• Plant in early spring or fall for the best results, allowing time for the roots to establish before extreme temperatures set in.
• 'Magic Carpet' prefers well-drained soil and thrives in a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as the drainage is good.
• Space plants about 2 to 3 feet apart for full coverage or allow room for them to spread naturally.

• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Deadhead spent flowers after blooming to promote a second flush of flowers later in the season. Light trimming throughout the growing season will keep the plant looking neat and compact.
• Maintenance: Apply mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. This also helps keep the roots cool in warmer climates.

• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, 'Magic Carpet' is drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
• Avoid overwatering, as the plant prefers slightly dry to moderately moist soil conditions.

• Full sun is essential for the best foliage color and flower production. The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• In hotter climates, it can tolerate some afternoon shade, but too much shade will reduce the intensity of the foliage color and flowering.

Seed Collection: After flowering, small seed capsules form. Let them dry on the plant, then collect in late summer to early fall for propagation or storage.

Foliage Use: Young, colorful spring foliage can be clipped and used decoratively in fresh arrangements.

Flower Stems: While not widely used as cut flowers, the pink clusters can add soft, filler texture in casual bouquets.

Pruning for Maintenance: Light pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and can stimulate additional bloom and fresh foliage.

Deadheading: Optional, but removing spent blooms can encourage tidier appearance and potential rebloom.

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and abundant blooms. If your soil is naturally fertile, additional fertilization may not be necessary. A layer of compost in spring will also help maintain soil health.

• Pests & Diseases: Spiraea 'Magic Carpet' is generally pest-free and disease-resistant, though it may occasionally attract aphids or spider mites in hot, dry conditions. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent any fungal issues.
• Cold & Heat Tolerance: Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, 'Magic Carpet' tolerates both cold winters and hot summers, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Magic Carpet' is fairly drought-tolerant, making it ideal for low-water gardens and xeriscaping. It will perform best with consistent moisture but can survive dry spells with minimal water.

Pollinated by bees and other insects, 'Magic Carpet' is an important plant for supporting pollinator populations in the garden.

Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) – adds fragrance and contrast with purple blooms.

Heuchera cultivars – their bold foliage offers visual diversity.

Sedum spectabile (e.g., ‘Autumn Joy’) – adds late-season bloom and texture.

Coreopsis verticillata – bright yellow flowers complement golden foliage.

Festuca glauca – ornamental grass with cool blue tones contrasts beautifully.

Berberis thunbergii ‘Crimson Pygmy’ – dark red foliage pairs strikingly with Magic Carpet’s gold.

Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) – flat flower clusters and ferny foliage add a naturalistic touch.

Nepeta faassenii (Catmint) – soft, sprawling texture and lavender flowers enhance color harmony.